‘No amount of profit is worth the worry of being caught doing something illegal.’
RICHARD BRANSON.
The challenges of life are so numerous that if one is not careful enough, one would have ventured into an illegal action or deal just to survive in this challenging world with little or no consideration for the implication of such a deal. Things are so difficult these days most especially in the developing world where vast majorities of the population live on less than one dollar a day. The level of poverty amidst plenty is better imagined in the developing countries, most especially in Africa. The conclusion drawn by a vast majority of the populace in this regard is that the high level of poverty is the key rationale behind the outrageous level of armed robbery, financial frauds, prostitution, oil bunkering, vandalism and kidnapping for ransom that is now a common place in some countries of the world.
One bitter truth about this scenario is the fact that these illegal actions do not pay in the long run. The reason being that the long hand of the law will sooner or later catch up with the people so involved. No matter your present level of affluence; if it was gotten illegally, you will one day be exposed and lose everything, either to the government or to the rightful owners. So it’s better to stay away from illegal deals.
Age cheat and lying under oath are some examples of illegal actions that seem less critical compared to rubbing at gun point, but the end result of them all could be a jail term, lost of reputation, lost of trust and lost of one’s source of livelihood. So stay away from any activity or actions that could tarnish your hard earn integrity. Stay away from such deals no matter how attractive.
The level of corporate fraud, document falsification, profit and stock manipulations in the corporate world all over the world is alarming and it has led to the demise of hitherto reputable corporate giants like Enron, WorldCom and Arthur Anderson. In Nigeria, the high level of corporate fraud, stock and profit manipulation has led to the sack and prosecution of some top bank CEOs. The former MD/CEO of Oceanic Bank International, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru was jailed when found guilty of a high level corporate fraud, running into several billions of naira. She was subsequently sentenced to a six months jail term. All her efforts, labour and activities in the corporate world thus ended shamefully. The several billions of naira worth of assets she acquired fraudulently were confiscated. Due to this singular shameful act, she can never again hold any political, social or corporate post in Nigeria forever, being an ex-convict. It pays to shun illegal actions. It pays in the long run. Of what value is your wealth when you lack integrity? Good name is better than ill gotten wealth.
In conclusion, be content with who you are and what you have. Maintain a life of integrity; be open and transparent in all your dealings. Sooner or later you’ll get to your desired destination. Shun illegal deals and activities, they may disguise as opportunities today but the end result is shame and regret.
Ajiboro Ayodeji is a Chartered HR Practitioner based in Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: 2348027807452. Email: jibdej@gmail.com.
